Zhang, M. M., Wang, J. G., Ma, L. et al. (35 more authors) (2025) Discovery of the α-emitting isotope 210Pa. Nature Communications. ISSN 2041-1723
Abstract
Synthesizing isotopes located far away from the line of β-stability is the core research topic in nuclear physics. However, it remains a challenge due to their tiny production cross sections and short half-lives. Here, we report on the observation of a very neutron-deficient isotope 210Pa produced via the fusion-evaporation reaction 175Lu(40Ca, 5n)210Pa at a newly constructed China Accelerator Facility for Superheavy Elements. The measured α-particle energy of Eα = 8284(15) keV and half-life of $${T}_{1/2}=6.{0}_{-1.1}^{+1.5}$$ms of 210Pa allow us to extend the α-decay systematics and test the predictive power of theoretical models for heavy nuclei near the proton drip line. Based on its unhindered α-decay character, the spin and parity of 210Pa is proposed to be (3+), supported by the large-scale shell model and cranked shell model calculations. This isotope is discovered with substantial statics within ∼ 3 days using intensive 2 pμA beam, demonstrating the tremendous capability of the facility for the study of heavy and superheavy nuclei.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © The Author(s) 2025 |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Physics (York) |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES COUNCIL (STFC) ST/Y000285/1 |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 02 Jun 2025 10:30 |
Last Modified: | 02 Jun 2025 10:30 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60047-2 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1038/s41467-025-60047-2 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:227293 |